AK HB259

Large energy use facilities (20+ MW peak demand or 2+ billion cubic feet of gas annually) must enter contracts of at least 12 years with utilities, with an optional 5-year ramp-up period

Facilities must pay at least 80% of contracted amounts annually regardless of actual use, and early exit fees equal to remaining contract payments or full utility costs, whichever is greater

All infrastructure and variable costs incurred to serve large energy facilities must be assigned directly to those facilities and cannot be passed to other utility customers

Municipalities must enter community benefit agreements with large energy facilities before utility contracts can be approved, covering issues like emergency response, local hire, and decommissioning

Regulatory Commission of Alaska must approve all contracts and modifications, with a 12-month waiting period for any contract changes